We all go about internet dating in our own way. One person might simply dabble, grazing over profiles in their area, sending emails to a few, and visiting an internet dating site only rarely. Another might take the process very seriously, searching and using profiles to tick off specific boxes on the list of what they want in a mate-- no exceptions, no flexibility. And while, with persistence, anybody can be a successful internet dater, we've found that certain kinds of people tend to be successful again and again.
Want to know what kind of person tends to be successful in the search for love online? Read on for our quick profile of an effective internet dater-- and the ten factors that tend to make their search a success.
1. Specific goals
While it can be fun to dabble with an internet dating site, the most effective internet daters sign up for a site like Datepad with a goal and a plan. Perhaps they've dated a lot of the same kind of person and are looking for somebody completely new. Or perhaps they've spent a lot of time dating all the wrong kind of people, and want somebody with specific traits. Either way, the person with a specific goal often has an easier time whittling down potential dates and sticking to a plan.
2. Proactive approach
The kind of people who use internet dating sites with a high level of success also tend to be the proactive type. Instead of hoping that the right people will find them, they go out online and look for the right people. Successful internet daters generally understand that their success or failure is their responsibility; they decide what it is they want, and they do their best to go out there and find it.
3. Careful writing
We all know that one of the most important elements of internet dating is our profile. Effective internet daters tackle the task of writing a profile with the gravity the job deserves; they write carefully, using their online profile to both present who they are and what they want, and present it clearly.
4. Honesty
Of course, everybody wants to present his or her best self on an internet dating site. But successful internet daters understand that their "best self" also has to be their real self. When writing their profile, they are clear and honest about who they are and what they do (even if they don't put "warts and all" right up front). They also choose their profile photos with an honest and appraising eye. If a photo doesn't look like them --and will cause any potential dates to feel disappointment at their actual appearance-- they generally won't use it.
5. Open-mindedness
While it's important to have an idea of what kind of person you'd like to be with, effective internet daters tend to be open-minded about their potential prospects. Instead of dismissing somebody off-hand because of a less-than-ideal photo or a less-than-desired annual salary, they take chances on people who might fit their desires in other ways-- even ways they haven't yet thought of.
6. Reasonable expectations
Some people join internet dating sites expecting to find that perfect man or woman. But more effective internet daters understand that, in general, "perfect" doesn't exist. They work to find somebody who is compatible and who piques their interest; they don't sit around waiting to find the profile of that one perfect person.
7. Security
There are scams and predators all over the net, and any internet dating site you visit will have its fair share. Successful internet daters always more forward with care, making their safety a major priority through every step in the process.
8. Straight-forwardness
We all know how painful it is to be rejected, and so most people have a difficult time telling somebody they meet at an internet dating site that it's just not working. But effective internet daters tend to be straight-forward with their dates. Rather than waste their date's time or their own, they let them know when they think the path has come to an end, whether it be when they're still chatting online, have spoken on the phone, or have dated in person.
9. Juggling
When you meet somebody you like online, it can be tempting to put any other prospects aside while you focus on the one you like best. But most effective internet daters understand that most prospects --even the ones that look great-- don't pan out in the end. They do their best not to put all their eggs in one basket (no matter how great that basket may look!).
10. Perseverance
This one comes last but it's certainly not least. Successful internet daters always have one thing above them all: perseverance. Just as with traditional dating, internet dating can be a long and frustrating process. The successful ones are those who stick with it and keep trying-- even when they don't think it's working.
